I enjoyed the cartoon in the July 27 edition of the Herald-Leader.
Scientist: "The unbearably hot temperatures -- after much scientific analysis -- can only be attributed to one cause."
Reporter: "Man-made global warming?"
Scientist: "No. Summertime."
As I am writing, the temperature in Siloam Springs is 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It's warm, but folks have been complaining about heat for many years. One of my father's friends said quite often back in the 1950s, "It's hot because the earth is getting closer to the sun." Well, we're not getting closer to the sun, but the following are six of the ten deadliest summers in U.S. history since we've been keeping record.
In 1896, 1,500 U.S. citizens died because of the heat. On Aug. 8, the temp was 108 F in St. Louis.
In 1901, 9,500 died. On June 25, Philadelphia and Delaware reached 109 F.
In 1936, 5,000 died. On July 5, the temperature was 120 F in Gann Valley, S.D. The next day it was 121 F. in Steele, N.D.
In 1972, 900 died related to heat.
In 1980, 1,700 died related to heat.
In 1988, 10,000 died related to heat.
At some time or another within recorded history, every state in the Union reached or exceeded 100 F. At different times, Alaska and Hawaii reached 100 and California reached 134.
Heat waves are nothing new. Those who believe the earth is billions of years old say the earth experienced at least five major ice ages, with the last one ending 11,000-18,000 years ago. That means the earth experienced climate change numerous times. However, since man wasn't here to warm the earth, what caused earth's cooling and warming cycles? The answer would be: The cycles were natural events.
So, is climate change today caused by man, nature or a combination of both? The answer is: both. Since man is partly to blame, is the United States the primary culprit, or does mankind around the world share the blame? The answer is: all mankind.
China, the United States and India are the top three producers of CO2, which is a major factor in generating the greenhouse effect. In the most recent report I read, China produces about 11 billion tons of CO2 annually and India produces only around 2.5 billion tons, while the U.S. produces about 5.6 billion tons annually. Forest fires and volcanos annually produce around one billion tons of CO2, with volcanos emitting most of it.
I read that approximately two-thirds of all industrial methane and carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere since 1854 can be traced to burning fossil fuels and producing cement. But before you condemn the U.S. for our portion of the emissions, here's something to consider. The U.S. continually works on reducing its emissions, but China and India are on the path of doubling their outputs by 2040, and the United States alone cannot atone for the sins of the world.
This next number might choke your computer. "Global CO2 emissions from energy combustion and industrial processes rebounded in 2021 to reach their highest ever annual level. A 6% increase from 2020 pushed emissions to 36.3 gigatons."
However, in all the research, try to remember that the profusion of data and numbers are used somewhat loosely, so it's difficult to find accurate information with proper application to support a solid argument. And in researching this topic, you may find the statement: Sadly, the carbon dioxide emissions from human activities are now higher than at any point in human history.
Of course the emissions are higher than ever because there are more people. The U.S. has around 332 million people, while China and India have a combined total of about 2.8 billion, which is more than seven times our population.
Okay, I rambled a lot about CO2, heat, population and more. But I want to comment on a topic related to all that. Is our world changing to where mankind might not be able to live here? The answer is: No.
The Bible informs us that when Jesus returns He will reign for 1,000 years. Life as we know it will continue. Will the ocean levels rise? Perhaps. Will coastal cities be flooded with sea water? Parts of towns might be flooded, acreage at sea level might be inundated, but life will continue.
The most important consideration is this: live for Jesus now and be ready for His return. That way, you'll be ready to live with him in heaven forever.
-- S. Eugene Linzey is an author, mentor and speaker. Send comments and questions to [email protected]. Visit his web site at www.genelinzey.com. The opinions expressed are those of the author.